Chinese cars, are they as bad as everyone thinks?

Interesting, looking at the best selling brands for August in China. VW is still right up there even though they are declining, Chery only ranking 7th.

bestsellingcarsblog.com

China wholesales July 2026: Fang Cheng Bao (+111.8%), Leapmotor (+65.9%) ignore market down -23.7%

The Fang Cheng Bao Tai 7 is up to a record 4th place at home. It’s another mediocre month for new car sales in China, down year-on-year for the 11th time in a row at -23.7% to 1.55 million ve…
bestsellingcarsblog.com bestsellingcarsblog.com
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2026 JMC Grand Avenue price & specs in South Africa

The JMC Grand Avenue has landed in South Africa, with the Chinese automaker’s local arm revealing pricing and specs for the new double-cab bakkie. See pricing below…

Positioned as the flagship double cab in JMC’s local product portfolio, the Grand Avenue is priced from a hair below R530 000. The initial lineup comprises two models. A single engine option is employed across the range.

JMC Grand Avenue engine

The Grand Avenue is equipped with a 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine producing 155 kW and 500 N.m of torque, the latter available from a low 1 500 r/min. The four-cylinder unit is exclusively coupled with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Avenue is available with the choice of either a 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain. The Chinese automaker claims an average fuel consumption of 7.2 L/100 km. The 0-100 km/h sprint time is a claimed 10.4 seconds.

JMC Grand Avenue size
In terms of size, the Grand Avenue measures 5 450 mm in length and 1 935 mm in width – dimensions comparable to the GWM P500, which, as a reminder, is now offered with a 3.0-litre turbodiesel. Compared to the new Hilux and Ford Ranger, the JMC is 130 and 100 mm longer, respectively. The Grand Avenue stands 1 890 mm tall, with a 3 270 mm wheelbase.

The Grand Avenue sports a 235 mm ground clearance. The approach and departure angles are 30 and 26 degrees, respectively. JMC quotes a water wading depth of 800 mm. The Grand Avenue offers a payload and braked towing capacity of 870 and 3 500 kg, respectively.

2026 JMC Grand Avenue price in SA

Locally, pricing for the Grand Avenue lineup kicks off at R529 900 for the 4×2 derivative. The 4×4 variant is priced from R579 900. Included as standard, the Grand Avenue is sold with a five-year/200 000 km warranty and five-year/100 000 km service plan.

JMC Grand Avenue 2.5TD 4×2 GL AT — R529 900
JMC Grand Avenue 2.5TD 4×4 GL AT — R579 900

www.carmag.co.za

2026 JMC Grand Avenue price & specs in South Africa

The JMC Grand Avenue has landed in SA, with the Chinese automaker announcing pricing and specs for the new double-cab bakkie...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
Splinter said:
So, @FiestaST , updating this question again.

What Chinese vehicle would you get, given a decent budget, and why?
Click to expand...
I'll give you a two part answer.

1) For the "budget conscience" allrounder:

Chery Tiggo 4 Cross LIT. The value aspect is unreal relative to the "legacy" brands. Sure it is an N/A motor in this application but it looks good, has a great warranty & is well kitted out.

If you can do a stick shift tranny then R280k new, you will find it for less than this OR R310k for the CVT.

2) If budget was less of an obstacle then the Haval H6 GT PHEV, the aggression, sheer performance & efficiency are the main reasons. 321 kW, 762 Nm, 180 km electric range, R800k.

What about you?
 
FiestaST said:
I'll give you a two part answer.

1) For the "budget conscience" allrounder:

Chery Tiggo 4 Cross LIT. The value aspect is unreal relative to the "legacy" brands. Sure it is an N/A motor in this application but it looks good, has a great warranty & is well kitted out.

If you can do a stick shift tranny then R280k new, you will find it for less than this OR R310k for the CVT.

2) If budget was less of an obstacle then the Haval H6 GT PHEV, the aggression, sheer performance & efficiency are the main reasons. 321 kW, 762 Nm, 180 km electric range, R800k.

What about you?
Click to expand...

Thanks.

Me? I need to think and do more research. Because it's been a total info overload with all these releases.
 
konfab said:
Consider electric as well if they are within your budget and needs. Cost savings and driving experience is just next level.
Click to expand...
Look, while I have a decent solar system (which I believe makes EV even more attractive with DC charging?), there is still something that makes me nervous. Watched too many Mad Max movies :)
 
Splinter said:
Thanks.

Me? I need to think and do more research. Because it's been a total info overload with all these releases.
Click to expand...
Which car type and price range are you looking at? As you say, there are a multitude of releases so narrowing it down a bit might help. BYD seal is very different proposition to a MG ZS.

Edit:
- new/used
- price range
- body type
- other important factors for you
 
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